Read articles from Kenya

December 04, 2024 by downtoearth.org.in

Integrating tobacco harm reduction (THR) products in Nigeria and Kenya could save 600,000 lives by 2060, cutting tobacco-related deaths. THR offers less harmful smoke-free nicotine alternatives like e-cigarettes, proven effective in other countries. Despite government approval, their use remains low. Strict regulations on THR products may hinder quitting efforts. Urgent collaboration among governments, healthcare providers, and leaders is needed to make THR products accessible. The research aims to guide policymakers on implementing enhanced cessation programs for a healthier, smoke-free future. Understanding smoking dynamics in Nigeria and Kenya is crucial for successful interventions.

November 07, 2024 by meer.com

The rise of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) and Electronic Non-Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENNDS) among youth worldwide poses significant public health challenges. Despite marketed as safer alternatives, these products contribute to a cycle of addiction and health risks. In Kenya, these products are increasingly popular, with concerns about youth addiction and environmental impact. Similar trends are observed in Asia, Europe, and the USA, where marketing tactics target young users. Initiatives to regulate and tax these products face obstacles, including illicit trade.

October 07, 2024 by newscentral.africa

The Senate Health Committee is updating Kenya's Tobacco Control Act due to rising smoking rates. Statistics show 3.61 million Kenyans may smoke by 2029, with the Central region having the highest percentage of smokers. Efforts to reduce smoking, especially among the youth, have been unsuccessful. Cigarettes are the most used tobacco product, followed by vaporisers, e-cigarettes, and cigars. Smoking contributes to over 9,000 deaths annually in Kenya, with e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches exacerbating the issue. Senator Catherine Mumma has initiated amendments to regulate electronic nicotine products, ban sales to under 18s, and restrict advertising. The law aims to tackle the growing tobacco problem effectively.

October 04, 2024 by africasciencenews.org

Kenyan stakeholders push for higher tobacco taxes to combat youth consumption and health risks. Celine Awuor advocates for increased taxes to deter young people from starting smoking habits early. Current cigarette taxes in Kenya fall below WHO recommendations. Challenges exist in taxing new tobacco products like Oral Nicotine Pouches and e-cigarettes due to weak tax regulations. The Tobacco Control Act of 2007 needs updating to cover emerging smokeless products. Dr. Naom Shaban emphasizes the need for higher taxes to deter tobacco use. Illegal tobacco products pose a challenge, prompting collaboration between the Tobacco Control Board and Kenya Revenue Authority.

September 03, 2024 by peopledaily.digital

Kenya can reduce adult smokers by 2.5 million through new WHO tobacco cessation guidelines. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlights the importance of these guidelines. They refute the tobacco industry's claims about safer alternatives like e-cigarettes. WHO notes challenges faced by health systems in offering cessation services. Effective methods include pharmacotherapy and behavioral support. The tobacco industry targets the youth with appealing products. Zaha Indimuli emphasizes parental vigilance to prevent youth addiction. Over 8,000 Kenyans die annually from tobacco-related diseases.

August 23, 2024 by vaping360.com

A bill introduced in Kenya’s parliament would impose serious restrictions on vaping products and nicotine pouches, making them less attractive and less available to ordinary Kenyans. The new bill will, if passed, amend the country's Tobacco Control Act to redefine “smoking” to include vaping, thus including vaping in all existing smoking restrictions, including advertising and public use. All online sales and advertising would be banned.

August 20, 2024 by ahra.info

The principal object of the Bill is to amend the Tobacco Control Act, to make further provisions for the regulation of electronic nicotine delivery systems. According to the Health Ministry, the current Tobacco Control Act passed in 2007, did not anticipate non-tobacco products such as nicotine pouches. The bill also seeks to ensure that no nicotine or electronic nicotine systems are manufactured, distributed, imported, or sold in Kenya without the prior authorization of the Cabinet Secretary responsible for health.

May 29, 2024 by ntvkenya.co.ke

The government warns against the increased use of vapes, e-cigarettes, and nicotine pouches among youth, despite efforts to reduce tobacco use. Novel nicotine products pose health risks and are often marketed as safer alternatives. Strides in tobacco control include implementing laws, establishing task forces, and awareness campaigns. Efforts align with World Health Organization themes, with a focus on protecting children from tobacco industry interference. Kenya is committed to enforcing health policies, resisting industry influence, and promoting cessation services. Celebratory activities include clinics, school initiatives, and highlighting successes in combating tobacco. The ministry aims to ensure accessible cessation services to address challenges.

May 10, 2024 by nation.africa

Joseph Magero shares his journey from smoking to vaping, advocating for safer alternatives for smokers. He founded Campaign for Safer Alternatives (CASA) to educate and provide access to harm reduction tools in Africa. Despite proven benefits of vaping over smoking by global health bodies, Kenya's proposed graphic warnings on nicotine pouches and vapes ignore scientific evidence. CASA urges the Ministry of Health to reconsider these warnings to help smokers switch to safer alternatives. Drawing on Sweden's success in reducing smoking rates through harm reduction, CASA emphasizes the importance of accurate risk communication for public health.

May 07, 2024 by kenyans.co.ke

In April 2024, Kenya's Ministry of Health proposed graphic warnings for tobacco-free nicotine products like vapes and pouches, despite scientific evidence showing their lower risk compared to cigarettes. Public health advocates argue that misleading warnings could deter smokers from switching to safer alternatives. Research supports that nicotine alternatives are effective in smoking cessation, with vapes being twice as effective as traditional methods. The Ministry of Health is currently gathering public feedback on the proposed warnings, with concerns that misinforming smokers could prevent life-saving switches.